Asia boasts half the planet’s landmass and two-thirds of its population, a peerless mishmash of boundless energy and manifold cultures. For better or worse, here is our pick of the most influential figures from across the world’s largest continent. MoreMeet the Disruptors of the TIME 100Bill and Melinda Gates Applaud the Good Works of 2 Very Good PeopleMen Charged With Toppling Ancient Rock Formation Avoid Jail Time Huffington PostHere's An Updated Tally Of All The People Who Have Ever Died From A Marijuana Overdose Huffington PostStephen Fishbach's Survivor Blog: Trish Puts On a Show PeopleAs the world’s most populous nation, China was always likely to feature strongly in TIME 100, and this year’s list features a true pair of tech titans. Pony Ma founded Tencent Inc., one of China’s largest Internet companies, and is lauded by Arianna Huffington for tapping “into something timeless and universal: a longing for connection.” Jack Ma (no relation) displays a similar flair for radical thinking.